Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Kishoge station was originally delivered as part of the Kildare Route Rail Project and designed to serve the major residential development planned for the Clonburris Strategic Development Zone.

As we all know that major residential development never proceeded due to the financial crisis at that time. Due to that, a decision was taken not to proceed with the opening of the station due to a lack of sufficient passenger demand at the time.

Following this decision, the glazed station building was covered with a protective cladding system and the platform furniture and equipment was also removed to mitigate against potential damage.

More recently, in line with the economic recovery and increased passenger demand, a feasibility analysis of potential options for the station was undertaken by Iarnród Éireann, in 2021. It was concluded that various works need to be undertaken by Iarnród Éireann before Kishoge station could be brought into use.

Following this, Iarnród Éireann has undertaken a tender process to appoint contractors to complete the works required to open the station. In parallel, Iarnród Éireann is in discussion with South Dublin County Council and relevant landowners to discuss the temporary and permanent access arrangements to the station taking account of the planned development in the area as part of the Clonburris SDZ.

It is anticipated that the agreements on the access arrangements will conclude in the coming weeks, with tender award later this month. The costs of the works will be identified when the tender is awarded. It is expected that the works at the station will take approximately 6 months to complete and, therefore, it is now anticipated that the station will open for rail passengers from next Spring.

Moreover, Kishoge station will form part of the planned new DART+ South West service between Dublin city centre and Hazelhatch & Celbridge. A planning, or Railway Order, application for this project was submitted last March and is currently under consideration by An Board Pleanála.